Emer McLysaght examines the increasingly dystopian atmosphere of modern grocery stores, noting the rise of automated checkouts, security measures, and the failure of cashier-less concepts like Amazon Go. Beyond technological shifts, the author highlights the aggressive marketing of seasonal Christmas sweets, which now appear on shelves months in advance. This early arrival, combined with complex multibuy promotions and shrinking product sizes, creates a sense of artificial scarcity. McLysaght argues that this retail strategy exploits consumer anxiety, encouraging unnecessary stockpiling and reflecting a cynical approach to late-stage capitalism. While the author uses hyperbole to describe a future dominated by stacks of chocolate tubs, the commentary underscores a genuine frustration with how seasonal traditions are being manipulated to drive constant consumption throughout the year.
Source : The Journal
Photo : The Journal
